3286

Mint Director Patterson re Mint Theft of Copper, 1840 [196516]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Mint Director Patterson re Mint Theft of Copper, 1840 [196516]
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Fascinating letter (May 13, 1840) from Mint Director Patterson dismissing a key employee John S. Benezet. Benezet had regularly received copper coins for deposit. Benezet had apparently answered Patterson's complaint, but not in a satisfactory manner, such that the reporting of the copper coins to the credit of the USA was never made. "I took the painful step of your discharge. This act was certainly not a hasty one on my part. I should rejoice if you can still show that it was erroneous. "In short, it is clear that Benezet was taking in (receiving) copper coins in deposit, but never deposited the money to the credit of the Mint. A few cents at a time adds up quickly, and this letter does not address the apparent total amount Patterson believes is "missing." Patterson gives Benezet the benefit of the doubt, but Benezet cannot answer or act sufficiently. In further research, in February, 1841, Benezet was given ten days to answer and correct the situation, or summary judgement would be made in favor of the US. Nothing was found after that date in Newspapers.com.
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Date:
Country (if not USA):
State: Pennsylvania
City: Philadelphia
Provenance: Fred Weinberg Numismatic Ephemera Collection

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